Justin’s Story: Walking Into His Second Chance

Spending his 40th birthday in a coma was never part of Justin Besade’s plan.

Days earlier, he had gone to the hospital with a 102-degree fever. Though he knew something was seriously wrong, Justin couldn’t have foreseen how his condition would rapidly spiral into a fight for his life as he battled a severe case of COVID that was further complicated by the flu, pneumonia, cardiomyopathy, and a staph infection. At one point, Justin was resuscitated.

Six weeks on a ventilator and in a coma saved Justin’s life, but it came at a high cost. Lying in a prone position for so long made him severely weak and caused severe nerve damage to his arm. When he arrived at Gaylord Hospital, Justin had no idea what his future would hold.

“I thought my world had crashed. But soon I was watching others in even tougher situations cheering me on … and that gave me the push I needed.”

He credits his physical therapist, Dan, and occupational therapist, Heidi, for challenging him every day and refusing to let him take the easy route.

“They pushed me in ways I didn’t think I could handle, but I’m grateful for that because it made a difference.”

He claims that the hardest part of his journey was “the total loss of control” over his own body and that his favorite aide, Cindy, was instrumental in “preserving his dignity.”

“Going from being fully independent and working 80 hours a week to not being able to care for my personal hygiene was humbling. But Cindy never made me feel ashamed. She was a lifesaver and it was a kindness I will never forget.”

During his five-month stay at Gaylord Hospital, Justin watched countless patients arrive and leave weeks later, much stronger. Witnessing their progress fueled his own determination to heal.

But Justin’s time at Gaylord wasn’t just about his own recovery. He also became a source of encouragement for others.

“After a few months, I was the OG patient. I had been here the longest,” he says. “That’s when I started taking new patients under my wing, telling them to push harder and keep going.”

In August 2022, eight months after his initial trip to the emergency room, Justin walked out of Gaylord Hospital, an achievement he once thought impossible.

“I couldn’t have done it without everyone here,” he says. “I tell anyone and everyone who will listen that Gaylord is the place that saved me.”